Spanning the Globe

An explosion of new design and materials is creating a new great era of bridge building. Higher-performing steel, concrete and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers are making it possible to build lighter, stronger, longer and taller spans. Electromagnetic dampers and underwater shock absorbers can help the bridges resist the kinetic energy of wind, earthquake and collisions. Sensors allow engineers to know how bridges are holding up in real-time. This article briefly describes how new techniques and materials were used in five recent bridge projects that offered interesting challenges, including earthquakes, a limited time for construction, typhoon-force winds, weak porous soils, and even the challenge of bringing one of Leonardo da Vinci's designs to fruition.

• Authors:
  • Goldenberg, David
• Publication Date: 2005-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: pp 144-148
• Serial:
  • Wired
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue Number: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridge engineering; Bridges; Building materials; Case studies; Construction engineering; Earthquake resistant design; Typhoons; Wind
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01000113
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 6 2005 11:51AM